This week, Stuttgart’s own Miss Arkansas Kristen Glover will compete for the title of Miss America.

Glover, who was crowned Miss Arkansas this past July, embarked last Wednesday to Las Vegas to compete with title holders from each state and the District of Columbia for the title of Miss America.

“I am very excited to be in the Miss America Pageant,” Glover said. “I have been competing in the Miss America system for four years and have finally earned the chance to compete for the Miss America crown.”

Glover said that after being crowned Miss Arkansas in July she has been preparing for the national pageant by participating in mock interviews, dance lessons, workouts, modeling lessons and wardrobe decisions.

“I am performing a tap dance from a selection of Mozart’s Sonata No. 11,” Glover said. “I am very proud of my new dance piece and can’t wait to perform it at Miss America.”

This is different from Glover’s talent at Miss Arkansas, which was “I Got Rhythm.” Miss Alabama Courtney Porter also chose to perform to the song, but since she was crowned before Glover, Porter was given first choice.

“I am thankful for the change in talent songs,” Glover said. “I love a challenge to get back into the dance studio.”

Last Thursday, all of the contestants participated in the arrival ceremony and media event at Planet Hollywood and on Saturday the contestants were in the Miss America Contestant Fashion Show at Fashion Mall in Las Vegas.

On Monday, the contestants participated in a 10 minute private interview with the panel of celebrity judges. Beginning Tuesday the open competition begins.

On-stage competition at Miss America includes:

• Tuesday — On-stage question

• Wednesday — Swimsuit and evening gown competition

• Thursday — Talent competition

The announcement of the Top 15 and crowning will occur at 8 p.m. at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. It will be broadcast live on ABC.

“I would like to say thank you to the Grand Prairie for the overwhelming support you have given me as I represent our state,” Glover said.